Clean wrestling shoes by hand with mild soap and water, then air-dry them away from heat—never use a washing machine or dryer.
Wrestling shoes take a beating—mat dust, sweat, and grime build up fast. The right way to wash them is gentler than you’d think: no machine, no dryer, just mild soap, a soft cloth, and patience. Here’s the full method that keeps the soles grippy, the fabric intact, and the smell under control.
The Hand-Cleaning Method That Protects Your Shoes
Hand-washing is the only method wrestling guides recommend consistently. Machine washing and tumble drying are off the table—the heat and agitation can warp the soles, crack the uppers, and ruin the shoe’s shape. The good news? Hand-cleaning takes about ten minutes of active work, plus drying time.
Start by removing the laces and setting them aside. Knock or brush off loose dirt and mat residue from the soles and upper. Then mix a small amount of mild soap or detergent with lukewarm water—avoid hot water, which can damage materials.
Use a soft cloth, sponge, or soft-bristled brush to clean the exterior one area at a time. Work in circular motions with light pressure; aggressive scrubbing can damage the fabric or finish. Wipe away soap residue with a clean damp cloth rather than rinsing under running water—oversaturating the upper can affect how the material holds its shape.
Machines and Dryers: The Fastest Way to Ruin Them
The washing machine and dryer are the two biggest mistakes you can make with wrestling shoes. The agitation of a machine cycle can warp the sole and crack the upper, while dryer heat can shrink or distort the materials entirely. The shoes may come out looking clean—and then never fit the same way again.
If you’re tempted to toss them in with your practice gear, don’t. The same heat and moisture that breaks down mat glue and sole construction will shorten the life of a good pair of shoes. Air drying is the only drying method that preserves the shoe’s structure.
Drying and Deodorizing Done Right
Once the shoes are clean, let them dry completely in open air. Keep them away from direct sunlight, radiators, space heaters, and any other heat source. Stuffing the shoes with newspaper is a common trick in wrestling cleaning guides—it pulls moisture out from the inside and helps the shoe hold its shape while drying.
For odor control, the simplest habit is also the most effective: wipe the outsoles after every practice to reduce sweat and mat residue buildup. For a deeper refresh between full cleanings, antibacterial wipes or a diluted disinfectant spray on the interior fabric work well. Baking soda and vinegar show up in some deodorizing tips, but they’re far less consistent than the mild-soap-and-air-dry approach.
Leather and suede shoes need extra care. Natural leather should only be cleaned by hand, and suede gets damaged by hard rubbing while damp—use a gentler touch and a soft cloth for those materials. If you use any specialty athletic-gear cleaner, follow the label and test it on a small area first.
When it’s time to replace a pair, the right shoes make a real difference—check our tested roundup of the best wrestling shoes for women before you buy your next pair.
How to Wash Wrestling Shoes Without Damaging Them
| Step | What To Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Laces first | Remove laces and wash them separately in detergent solution | Laces trap sweat and dirt most aggressively, and they survive cleaning far better than the shoe body |
| Brush off dry dirt | Remove loose dirt and mat residue before any water touches the shoe | Dry brushing prevents grinding grit into the fabric when you start wiping |
| Mild soap, lukewarm water | Mix a small amount of mild detergent with cool or lukewarm water | Hot water and harsh cleaners like bleach can damage the upper’s materials |
| Clean in sections | Wipe one area at a time with a soft cloth or brush in circular motions | Even coverage without the aggressive scrubbing that damages fabric or finish |
| Remove soap residue | Wipe again with a clean damp cloth | Leftover soap leaves a sticky film that attracts more dirt |
| Air dry with newspaper | Stuff with newspaper and dry in open air, away from heat and sunlight | Newspaper draws moisture out fast while holding the shoe’s shape |
Avoid the soak. Submerging wrestling shoes in water or rinsing them under a running tap oversaturates the upper and can alter how the material holds its shape. Spot-clean with a damp cloth instead, and save deep soaking for the laces alone.
References & Sources
- West Ottawa Wrestling. “Clean Your Shoes” Provides the core hand-cleaning and air-drying guidance for wrestling shoes.